Centre today informed DMK that it had taken up with Sri Lanka "in detail" the issue of release of arrested Indian fishermen lodged in jails in that country, party MP T R Baalu said.

External Affairs Ministry informed him that it has been confirmed that the proposed talks between fishermen associations of both countries will be held in India on January 20, a release from the MP's office said here.

Sanjay Sudhir, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, called up Baalu tonight and informed him that Khurshid had spoken to his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris, the release said.

"Khurshid held detailed discussions with Peiris on the issue of release of Tamil Nadu fishermen," the release said, adding, he had also taken up with him the mutual release of fishermen lodged in jails in respective countries before the Tamil harvest festival Pongal (January 14).